The Masterplan to redevelop Casuarina Swimming Pool has been awarded to local firm Ashford Architects.
Built in 1970, Casuarina Pool has provided local residents and visitors with aquatic recreation and leisure experiences and hosted local and interstate competitions for over 30 years.
City of Darwin recognises that the facility is now outdated, the existing infrastructure and buildings are in need of an upgrade and that the community are keen to have the facility upgraded.
Lord Mayor Kon Vatskalis said "I'm delighted that the tender to develop the Casuarina Pool Masterplan has been awarded to a local company; they know our community, understand our unique environment and our lifestyle needs, so are best placed to deliver this project,
"The successful tenderer, Ashford Architects will be preparing a Masterplan to guide the future use, development and management of the Casuarina Pool site; providing a contemporary family aquatic and leisure facility.
The Master Plan is expected to be completed in the later part of 2020 and will include extensive community consultation.
As a Territorian who has used Casuarina Pool for 30 years Randal Ashford, Director Ashford Architects, said he was delighted that his company had been awarded the Tender.
"As a local firm we have a comprehensive understanding of the Casuarina Pool site, the local context and the project objectives."
"We have engaged a mix of local and interstate sub-consultants, all with a wealth of experience and knowledge in aquatic and recreation facility design and community engagement, to assist us and ensure the design delivered meets the expectations and needs of the community for another 30 years."
When complete the facility will be a family-friendly community hub, offering a range of activities including aquatic recreation, places to relax or be active, meeting spaces and youth focussed facilities.A cafe, crèche, indoor fitness and allied health services are all being considered for inclusion.
"Casuarina Pool a jewel in the crown of our 2020/21 Budget."
"These projects are all designed to improve the amenity of our streetscapes, support our community and achieve Council's vision of a 'City of Colour'."
City of Darwin's 2002/021 Draft Budget allocates $25M toward redeveloping the Casuarina Pool.
